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Originally Posted by sanddrag
What exactly is an FTA?
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To expand on what Al said, the FTA is responsible for the field from when it comes off the truck until it's back on the truck, for overseeing the game part of the "show" and for advising the event staff on all matters technical.
S/He directs the volunteer staff in setting up the field, makes sure the scoring system is working properly (about half the job this past year) and troubleshoots any field and scoring problems throughout the event. The FTA works with the scorers to spot and fix any scoring problems and with the IFI folks to do the same for the field/robot controls. The FTA may help the Head Ref and Robot Inspector ensure a "level playing field" and works closely with the event committee and production company to try to keep on schedule.
JVN described the job to me like this: "when things are going well you just sit back and look good, but when things go wrong you're the one in the hot seat*", to which I'd add "and you're the last one out on Saturday night".
* (actually he said something about a cyanide capsule...)